Australia Look to Continue Golden Summer

Australia has had plenty to celebrate this summer, losing just one game. Source: REUTERS/cricketworld.com

After winning seven of their nine matches so far this summer, Australia will look to continue its fine form against Sri Lanka at the WACA on Friday. The hosts opened the One Day International tri-series with a 65 run win against India in a rain affected match at the MCG on Sunday. Matthew Wade , making his ODI debut, top scored with 67 before Michael Hussey and David Hussey finished the innings off with some heavy hitting. The Aussie’s have made clear their intention to give bolter Peter Forrest a game during the tournament, and he could come into the team, although just who he will replace remains a mystery.

Sri Lanka opened their campaign with a four run loss to India in Perth on Wednesday and will need to bounce back quickly if they want to remain in the hunt for the Commonwealth Bank series trophy. Youngster Dinesh Chandimal led the way for them with the bat against India, top scoring with 64, while Angelo Matthews put in a good all round performance with a rapid fire 33 not out and two wickets. Big guns Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene failed to go on with it after making a start and they will be looking to build a big innings against the Aussies.

These teams met in a five match ODI series in Sri Lanka in August last year, with Australia emerging as 3-2 victors.